Allergy and AsthmaAllergy and asthma are among the most common health problems, with more than 50 million Americans afflicted with asthma, seasonal hay fever, or other allergy-related conditions each year.

Arthritis and Other Rheumatic DiseasesArthritis and other rheumatic diseases are characterized by pain, swelling, and limited movement in joints and connective tissues in the body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 46 million people in the US have some form of arthritis or chronic joint symptoms.

Bone DisordersBone is living tissue that provides shape and support for the body, as well as protection for some organs. Bone also serves as a storage site for minerals and provides the medium - marrow - for the development and storage of blood cells.

Cardiovascular DiseasesThe cardiovascular system is made up of the heart and blood vessels. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), as defined by the American Heart Association, include coronary heart disease (coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease); stroke (brain attack); high blood pressure (hypertension); and rheumatic heart disease. More than 80 million US adults have one or more forms of CVD.

Breast HealthBreast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer.

DermatologyThe skin is the largest organ of the body, covering the entire body. As the outer protective covering of the body, it is exposed to the environment, making it vulnerable to growths, rashes, discoloration, cysts, burns, injuries, infections, and other disorders.

DiabetesDiabetes is a serious disease, which, if not controlled, can be life threatening. It is often associated with long-term complications that can affect every system and part of the body.

Digestive DisordersEach year, millions of Americans are diagnosed with digestive disorders, ranging from the occasional upset stomach to the more life-threatening colorectal cancer. They encompass disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

EndocrinologyThe endocrine system is a complex collection of hormone-producing glands that control basic body functions such as metabolism, growth and sexual development.

Environmental MedicineAccording to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), human health and human disease result from three interactive elements - environmental factors, individual susceptibility, and age.

Eye CareAccording to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, many sight-threatening diseases, if detected early, can be cured or treated to prevent, or slow, the progression of any vision loss.

Gynecological HealthFrom before puberty to after menopause, a woman's body is constantly changing and developing. And, at each stage of development and maturation, there may be questions about gynecological, reproductive, and sexual health. Thus, it is important that a woman establishes a partnership with her physician (often an OB/GYN, or Obstetrician/Gynecologist) early on.

Hematology and Blood DisordersBlood is the life-maintaining fluid that circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries. It carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.

Home Health, Hospice, and Elder CareCaring for someone medically outside the traditional hospital setting is not a new idea. Well before modern medicine, people were cared for at home out of necessity. Caretakers of past generations usually consisted of family members or friends. Today, however, there are more options available, depending on the needs of the individual and family.

Infectious DiseasesFighting infectious diseases today is much easier than in the past. With proper hygiene and proper precautions, in addition to numerous vaccines and rapidly advancing medical technology, people are better equipped than ever to avoid getting sick.

Kidney and Urinary System DisordersUrology is the branch of medicine concerned with the urinary tract in both genders, and with the genital tract or reproductive system in the male. Urogenital is a word that refers to the urinary and genital organs.

Men's HealthAlthough men of all ages should have routine checkups with their physicians, many men wait to seek routine care until they are in their 40s. While there may be many individual reasons for this, men are generally reluctant to see physicians routinely.

Nervous System DisordersThe nervous system is a complex, sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates the body's basic functions and activities. It is made up of two major divisions, including the central nervous system (consisting of the brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (consisting of all other neural elements).

Mental Health DisordersMental health disorders affect millions of US adults each year. Some disorders are mild, while others are more disabling and require intensive management and care.

Orthopaedic SurgeryOrthopedics is the branch of medicine concerned with diseases, injuries, and conditions of the musculoskeletal system, or the body's muscles and skeleton, and including the joints, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.

Non-Traumatic EmergenciesTrauma is defined as a physical injury or wound caused by an external force of violence, which may cause death or permanent disability. The word is also used to describe severe emotional or psychological shock or distress.

Oral HealthAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 500 million Americans visit the dentist each year. Many children and adults needlessly suffer from oral diseases that could be prevented.

OtolaryngologyOtolaryngology is the medical specialty that focuses on disorders in the ear, nose, and throat.

PathologyPathology is the study of disease. A pathologist, who is a medical doctor, looks at the causes of disease, how disease progresses, and how disease affects the body.

PediatricsChildren are not just miniature adults, but individuals with bodies and minds that grow at an amazing rate.

Physical Medicine and RehabilitationPhysical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), also known as physiatry, is a medical specialty that involves the process of restoring lost abilities for a person who has been disabled as a result of disease, disorder, or injury. These physicians are nerve, muscle, and bone specialists and the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and central nervous systems are most often involved.

Plastic SurgeryPlastic (derived from the Greek word "plastikos" which means "to mold or shape") surgery is the surgical specialty that deals with the reconstruction of facial and body tissue that requires a reshaping or remolding due to disease, a defect, or disorder. This surgery is conducted in order to approximate a normal appearance or to repair working ability.

Pregnancy and ChildbirthIf you are planning to become pregnant, there are many things that you can do to help reduce risks to both you and your baby, as proper health before deciding to become pregnant is almost as important as maintaining a healthy body during pregnancy.

Prostate HealthResearchers do not know all of the functions of the prostate gland. However, it is known that the prostate gland plays an important role in both sexual function and urinary function. It is common for the prostate gland to become enlarged as a man ages, and it is likely that, as a man, you may encounter some type of prostate problem in your lifetime.

RadiologyRadiology is the branch of medicine that uses radioactive substances, electromagnetic radiation, and sound waves to create images of the body, its organs, and structures for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Images can also show how effectively the body and its internal organs and structures are functioning.

Skin CancerSkin cancer strikes more people worldwide than any other form of cancer. Although more common in fair-skinned people, anyone can develop skin cancer.

Spine, Shoulder, and Pelvis DisordersThe skeletal trunk, that part of the body made up of the spine (back and neck), shoulders, and pelvis, acts as the major support system for the rest of the body.

Surgical CareSurgery, as defined by the American Medical Association, is the treatment of disease, injury, or other disorders by direct physical intervention, usually with instruments.

Travel MedicineTravel medicine is a specialized area of healthcare that focuses on the needs of travelers, particularly those who travel to other countries.

Women's HealthA woman's body is just as intriguing as it is complex. Here, you will learn about the anatomy, functions, and systems of a woman's body, detailed with labeled medical illustrations and simple definitions.